This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.

Aleksandra Bordeinanu has fostered a love for nail art throughout the entirety of her high school career. From the cost saving benefits to the level of professionalism her nails exude, there are many motivators that fuel her passion. But it’s the learning process that bolsters her creativity, rekindling the joy of this art with each new design.

Q: When did you first show interest in nail art?

AB: My freshman year, my two older cousins and I were having a sleepover. They had gotten this nail kit, so we all did each other’s nails. I found myself becoming really interested in the process. I thought ‘Wow, these are really cute. And I don’t have to pay money to get these done. I can just learn how to do them myself.’ A few months later, [my cousins] bought me a set. So I learned from there.

Q: What is your favorite type of nail art?

AB: I usually do Gel-X. This is when you cure the glue onto your nail. It’s different from both press ons and acrylics. It maintains the same level of sturdiness as acrylics without the smell.

Q: How long have you been learning how to do nail art?

AB: I’m still learning. Every set still takes me about four hours or so, but I began the learning process by watching others. Then I tried doing my own nails, and it worked the first time. It depends on each person, but I feel like I’m a quick learner, so it [has] been fairly easy for me to learn.

Q: Have you ever messed up a design?

AB: One hundred percent. Before the school year started, I wanted to do a school set with red, white and black. I had all the colors on already, and then I absolutely hated it. So I drilled every color off and I restarted. Of course, I do mess up, but I would rather mess up on myself than pay someone else to mess up.

Q: Out of curiosity, how do you function with longer nails?

A. Some people think I’m obnoxious for it, especially when I’m typing in class and making constant clicking noises. But for me, I just feel more put together. I feel like it helps me not bite my natural nail, which I used to struggle with a lot. I’ve gotten better with that because I want them to look nice. It’s about presentation and having my own self discipline. I’ve learned how to function with the length [of the nails] because of that.

Q: Are you able to balance your time between high school and nail art?

AB: I find time when I can do my nails. I did go two weeks without doing my nails because I was so busy. But if I have to, sometimes I will cancel plans to do my nails. It’s a reset day for me. I wash my hair, do my skincare, and do my nails. It’s part of my self care routine.

Jocelyn Hernandez took her passion for nail art to the next level when she opened her business. As a self-taught nail artist, Hernandez first began during quarantine and has improved ever since then. Her entrepreneurial efforts have paid off, fostering a successful business. But her business venture has always focused on one goal: having fun while sharing her love for nail art.

Q: When did you first show interest in nail art?

JH: I first started during quarantine. I was bored out of my mind, trying to find anything that could be interesting. So I started doing my family members’ nails in my room, at my little desk. Later, when I would get some money, I would start buying more materials. I started to learn better techniques and produce better quality nails. But it all started from doing my family members’ nails.

Q: How did you first learn how to do nails?

JH: At first, I would look up tutorials on Tik Tok. Just simple techniques initially. And throughout the process, I just learned by myself.

Q: Why did you decide to start your own business?

JH: The thought of getting more clients and having the ability to present my work to others really appealed to me. That was the start of my now flourishing business.

Q: When did you start your business?

JH: I opened the business nearly four years ago.

Q. What obstacles did you encounter when you first started your business?

JH: During quarantine, it was difficult to find clients because of the rules and regulations. But from then on, I started to get some more regular clients, and they would bring other people to my place.

Q: What services do you provide?

JH: I provide a variety of different services. I can do acrylics, which allows clients to choose long, medium, or short nails depending on their preferences. I can do Gel-X, which is a different material from acrylics. I also provide regular manicures and pedicures.

Q: What types of designs have you created?

JH: I’ve done French tips and different cartoon character art. I also add little intricate details that require precision. But it all comes with skills and learning throughout.

Q: Are you satisfied with your decision to start this business?

JH: Definitely. It has really helped me with my finances, but in the long run, I do it for fun. It’s fun to have conversations with my friends and family and to catch up with them. And I also do it to make them happy.